Dave Thornton
Founder & Head ChefThe visionary behind dave's hot chicken. Dave spent years perfecting his Nashville spice blend before turning a backyard passion into New York's hottest restaurant.
Our Story
About Dave's Hot Chicken
From a small backyard pop-up to New York City's most beloved Nashville-style hot chicken destination — this is our story.
2019
Founded
Who We Are
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The Story Behind Dave's Hot Chicken
Dave's hot chicken started with a passion — and a recipe that stops people in their tracks. We brought Nashville-style hot chicken to the streets of New York City, and New York has never been the same.
What began as weekend pop-ups in East Harlem quickly drew lines around the block. Word spread fast about daves hot chicken: the perfectly crispy tenders, the signature spice levels ranging from "No Spice" to the legendary "Reaper," and the homemade sides that keep regulars coming back every week.
By 2020, we opened our first brick-and-mortar on 3rd Avenue in New York. Today, dave hot chicken serves thousands of guests weekly, and we're proud to be the go-to destination for bold, authentic hot chicken in the city.
5+
Years Serving NYC
50K+
Happy Guests
7
Heat Levels
4.8
Average Rating
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Pillars
At daves chicken, every decision — from sourcing ingredients to training our team — is guided by these four commitments.
Bold Flavor
We never compromise on taste. Our recipes are crafted to deliver maximum heat, crunch, and satisfaction in every single bite.
Fresh Ingredients
We source fresh, quality chicken daily. No frozen shortcuts — just real, responsibly sourced poultry prepared fresh in our kitchen.
Community First
We are proud to be a New York restaurant. We hire locally, support neighborhood initiatives, and give back to the community that built us.
Consistent Quality
Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, you'll get the same exceptional experience — hot, fresh, and perfectly seasoned every time.
Our Journey
How Dave's Hot Chicken Grew
From a backyard idea to a New York City institution — every milestone tells the story of our passion for great food.
2019
The Backyard Beginning
Dave and a group of friends started hosting pop-up hot chicken nights in East Harlem. The neighborhood couldn't get enough — lines stretched around the block every weekend.
2020
First Restaurant Opens
Dave's hot chicken opened its first brick-and-mortar location at 1498 3rd Ave, New York. We served 400 guests on opening day alone — demand we never expected but happily delivered.
2021
Daves Hot Chicken Goes Viral
A social media video of our "Reaper" challenge racked up over 2 million views overnight. Daves hot chicken became a household name across New York and beyond.
2022
Catering & Events Launch
We expanded our catering arm, bringing dave hot chicken to corporate events, weddings, and private parties across the tri-state area. Over 300 catering events in our first year.
2023
Franchise Program Launches
We opened our franchise program, making it possible for entrepreneurs across the United States to bring the daves chicken experience to their own communities.
2024–Present
Growing Stronger Every Day
Today, Dave's hot chicken serves tens of thousands of guests every month, maintains a 4.8-star rating, and continues to perfect the craft that started in a New York backyard.
The People
Meet the Team Behind Dave's Hot Chicken
Every great dish starts with great people. Our team is passionate, talented, and deeply committed to delivering an unforgettable experience.
Maya Rivera
Operations ManagerMaya keeps the engine running. With 12 years in restaurant management, she ensures every shift runs smoothly and every guest leaves happy.
James Kim
Executive Sous ChefJames trained in Seoul and Nashville before joining daves hot chicken. He develops new seasonal items and maintains the consistency our regulars love.
Priya Mehta
Marketing DirectorPriya turned our social media into a phenomenon. She's the creative force behind the viral campaigns that put daves chicken on every foodie's radar in New York.
What We Stand For
The Values That Define Dave's Chicken
Passion for the Craft
Every recipe is a labor of love. We obsess over flavor profiles, cook temperatures, and seasoning ratios so you never have to settle for anything less than extraordinary.
Honesty & Transparency
We're upfront about our ingredients, spice levels, and pricing. What you see is what you get — no hidden surprises, only honest, delicious food.
Sustainability Matters
We work with responsible suppliers, reduce food waste daily, and use eco-friendly packaging — because great food shouldn't come at the planet's expense.
Hospitality Above All
From the first bite to the last, we want every guest to feel welcomed, valued, and excited to return. Great service is as important to us as great chicken.
